This recent climate shift in our region has really given new meaning to our interpretation of cold weather fun. Leo seems to struggle at times with wanting to stay outside vs. enduring the low temperature…
I keep telling him we are not polar bears
He tries so hard to take “Wilson” on our walks. I want to dissuade him, because I know his little rubber furrend has got to be cold in his mouth. But we bring him along anyway…
It’s tough trying to be a responsible doodle
It’s so cold, I’ve been especially concerned about their feet and in particular, their paw pads. Whether it’s frostbite from ice balls between the pads and toes – or burns from the chemicals in the deicers on the ground, I’ve become Sherlock Holmes examining eight paws every time we return from our shorten walks. I want to make sure there are no changes in their pads to warrant concern.
The Boys don’t wear boots. Yes I know they wear raincoats, and snowsuits, but when it came to the boots, both Harley and Leo made it clear they had their limitations, this was not gonna happen – ever! But I did try.
With these shorter walks, and extended indoor activities – I am running out of “doodle fun stuff” to do here. So when I read We Got A Double Wide from our new furrend Emma, I thought this would be the pawfect solution to our cold weather fun dilemma…
Our new BFF for inclement weather fun!
It’s 18 feet long, with a 24 inch opening. We can snake it around the basement and spend “oodles and doodles” of fun in it. Who knows I just might be able to help Leo conquer his fear of agility tunnels from last spring and summer when we failed that session in Agility Training.
Harley has no fear but could use some “remedial” training to help him understand that he’s to go “through” the thing, not hurdle over the top…
Another one of those pics where I have no words…
And if I scurry through there a couple of times myself, I can continue with my New Year Resolution to Resolve To Move My Mutt.
Thanks so much Emma, you’re the best!
After I ordered the tunnel (Emma’s mom sent me the link.), The Boys went outside one last time before turning in. Seemed as soon as I closed the sliding doors leading to the backyard, they returned. It had to be “frigid” out there, because Leo came barreling up the deck steps all on his own. Usually I have to go out there and coax him back into the house.
I checked for ice balls, and dried their feet really well, but when they both ran to their beds and preceded to lick their pads. I decided to apply some Espree Paw Balm on them…
Harley always has to examine everything
It’s nice and thick and the “Rich Lanolin, Beeswax, Vitamin E, Arnica and Comfrey” ingredients helps to “reduce cracking and possible injury against rough rocky roads, hot tar or pavement surfaces, ice and salt.”
I applied a generous portion, rubbing each pad for a few minutes while watching the football game with DH. Now that they were all greasy and shiny, I didn’t want them slip sliding all over my floor, so I had to improvise…
Thank goodness for old footies, they are now great booties for them!
They never moved, in fact they slept like babies…
It was comical to watch them fall asleep
Even after I took the socks off…
Harley snored like an old man
Petfinder has a nice article on Caring for Your Pups Paws in the Winter. Trust me, it may sound like a lot of work, but it’s really not, and at the end, in their own way, they will thank you for it…
Just for that, I’ll rub some more paws tonight
Tunnel fun arrives on Thursday, can’t wait, and of course I’ll take pics. Thanks for reading, please stay warm, and be safe…
January 5, 2014
Can’t wait to see how the boys like their tunnel. I know ours will be fun for a long time. Mom only has it up for a bit each day, so we don’t get bored with it and we need the space. We could put it in the basement, but Mom isn’t keen on hanging out down there, so the living room it is! Stay warm!
January 5, 2014
Our Doodle Dad is the basement dweller, he’ll be happy to have some company from time to time. Emma, mom just got an email that the tunnel has already shipped (shut the doodle door) can’t wait I say, can’t wait…
Thanks again Gorgeous Emma!
January 5, 2014
we are expecting sub zero temps here in Michigan for the next few days and this is one time I am THRILLED that Dakota doesn’t like to take walks. He is outside just to pee and poop, when he comes in we wipe his paw pads with warm water and dry them, will be extra vigilant over the next few days.
January 5, 2014
OMD Caren, are you serious? That’s nuts. You should see me when The Boys and I go out for a potty break, I am so layered up I look like the Michelin Tires sister! Can’t hardly walk – gotta waddle! Please take care and stay warm and safe.
Thanks as always for reading my furrend.
January 5, 2014
That is so cool (paw balm). I’m going to tell Kate about it for Maddie. They look so cute sleeping with their booties on. You should check at the dollar store for baby/toddler socks for them. That way you don’t have to give up your socks anymore 🙂
January 5, 2014
Yes Tif, it’s great, but there are plenty of different types. The one I have is greasy but effective, I am looking at a few that roll on and are not greasy – therefore no booties. But in the meantime, I like the dollar store idea, I will check it out and do that until the can of Espree is all gone. Stay warm!
January 6, 2014
Stopping by to say hi. 🙂
Those pictures of Harley on top of the tunnel are priceless! They made me laugh out loud. Silly boy! Hopefully he’ll get it all figured out once their tunnel arrives. 😉
Stay warm!
January 6, 2014
Hi Marquie – Happy to have you over! Yes Harley is somewhat of a comical character. At least I can have some fun with both he and Leo as we wait out this frigid winter we’re having. We’ll be coming your way later on this evening. Take care and stay warm and safe!
January 6, 2014
We got lots lots of SNOW and COLD temps. You have to try PawZ. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
January 6, 2014
Hey Sugar – nice to hear from you. I will have to get our Doodle Mom to look into PawZ, We love to hear about products that other anipals have used and liked. Thanks so much for reading, stay warm and safe – Harley & Leo
January 9, 2014
That tunnel looks like a lot of fun! I bet Stetson would be afraid of it though! 🙂
January 9, 2014
Trust me Kate – Leo is terrified, but with the winter months still in front of us, I will try to help him conquer his fear. No promises though!